Sartori Company will be releasing a limited quantity of Cannella BellaVitano and Cognac BellaVitano for the 2013 holiday season. Each cheese wheel will be hand signed and numbered by a Sartori Master Cheesemaker.

Cannella BellaVitano was created by taking sweet, buttery BellaVitano, aged at least 15 months, and steeping it in a cinnamon liqueur. “The smells and flavor of cinnamon give people a feeling of warmth over the holidays, which inspired me to create this unique holiday cheese,” states Sartori Master Cheesemaker Mike Matucheski. “Some small pieces on top of a slice of warm apple pie make for a mouthwatering experience,” he adds.

Cognac BellaVitano, the most premium limited edition item, truly stands out as a cut above the rest. The cheese itself is extra-aged; it matures for at least 18 months. After the aging process, it is submerged in a premium cognac and is only ready for sale when Sartori Master Cheesemakers believe it is just right. The end result is a unique and complex celebration of smoky, nutty, oaky flavors with toasted notes of vanilla and caramel from the cognac. In 2011, Cognac BellaVitano finished third overall at the World Cheese Awards, the highest-ever finish for an American artisan cheese.

These products are only available during the holiday season and can be purchased at select specialty cheese shops acrossthe United States. Cannella BellaVitano will be available now through the end of the year and Cognac BellaVitano will be available in December. Additionally, a limited supply of 4-ounce wedges will be available for sale on the Sartori website cheese shop and will be included in an exclusive 2013 Sartori “Limited Edition Gift Box” this holiday season.

“We are very excited to share our hand-crafted limited edition products over this holiday season,” says Sartori CEO Jim Sartori. “I hope they are passed around many tables and brighten the days of our customers, their families and friends.”